Hollywood’s biggest night is known to celebrate the year’s greatest talents in film. While actors tend to fare better with a script in hand, sometimes their impromptu comments shared after receiving their golden Oscar can pack an equally impactful performance.

No one can forget Roberto Benigni jumping on chairs to get to the stage to accept his Oscar or when Adrien Brody kissed presenter Halle Berry on stage when he took the Best Actor award for his performance in The Pianist. Along with spontaneous moments comes inspirational words that describe each winner's gratitude for achieving one of the industry’s greatest honors.

The 86th Academy Awards that will air March 2 has already been the target of predictions, rumors and potential upsets. Before you take your seat on the couch to catch the red carpet preshow, below are 15 of the best quotes from past acceptance speeches at the Oscars:

“I know that my work in this case is magnified by the fact that the streets of heaven are too crowded with angels. We know their names. They number a thousand for each one of the red ribbons that we wear here tonight. They finally rest in the warm embrace of the gracious creator of us all, a healing embrace that cools their fevers, that clears their skin, and allows their eyes to see the simple, self-evident commonsense truth that is made manifest by the benevolent creator of us all.” -- Tom Hanks, Actor in a Leading Role, Philadelphia, 1993

“I haven't had an orthodox career, and I've wanted more than anything to have your respect. The first time I didn't feel it, but this time I feel it, and I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!” -- Sally Field, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Places in the Heart, 1985

“Oscar and I have something in common. Oscar first came to Hollywood scene in 1928. So did I. We're both a little weather-beaten, but we're still here and plan to be around for a whole lot longer.” -- John Wayne, Best Picture, 1979

“And most of all, I want to thank my father, up there, the man who when I said I wanted to be an actor, he said, "Wonderful, just have a back-up profession like welding," – Robin Williams, Actor in a Supporting Role, Good Will Hunting, 1997

“Mom, Dad, there is no way that I can express to you what I'm feeling right now, my heart is full to bursting, except to say, ‘I'm the king of the world!’” – James Cameron, Directing, Titanic, 1997

“The only way to find the best actor would be to let everybody play Hamlet and let the best man win.” -- Humphrey Bogart, Best Actor, The African Queen, 1951

“You're only two years older than me, darling. Where have you been all my life?” – Christopher Plummer, Actor in a Supporting Role, Beginners, 2011

“I have a television, so I'm going to spend some time here to tell you some things. And sir [speaking to music conductor Bill Conti], you're doing a great job, but you're so quick with that stick. So why don't you sit, 'cause I may never be here again.” – Julia Roberts, Actress in a Leading Role, Erin Brockovich, 2000

“What a thrill. You know you've entered new territory when you realize that your outfit cost more than your film.” – Jessica Yu, Documentary, Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O’Brien, 1996

“Oh my God. Oh my God. I'm sorry. This moment is so much bigger than me. This moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll. It's for the women that stand beside me, Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett, Vivica Fox. And it's for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened.” -- Halle Berry, Actress in a Leading Role, Monster’s Ball, 2001

“As a little kid I lived in the projects, and you're the people I watched. You're the people wanted -- made me want to be an actor. I'm so proud to be here. I'm proud to be an actor and I'm gonna keep on acting.” -- Whoopi Goldberg, Actress in a Supporting Role, Ghost, 1990

“When they called my name I had this feeling I could hear half of America going, "Oh no! Oh, c'mon why? Her? Again?" You know? But, whatever.” -- Meryl Streep, Actress in a Leading Role, The Iron Lady, 2011

“I was lucky Mozart was not eligible this year.” -- Maurice Jarre, Music (Original Score), A Passage To India, 1984

“Tonight I am asking for your help. I call upon you to draw from the depths of your being to prove that we are a human race. To prove that our love outweighs our need to hate. That our compassion is more compelling than our need to blame. That our sensitivity to those in need is stronger than our greed. That our ability to reason overcomes our fear. And that at the end of each of our lives, we can look back and be proud that we have treated others with the kindness, dignity and respect that every human being deserves.” –Elizabeth Taylor, Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 1992